District Attorney Ron Freitas Announces Successful Preliminary Hearing in Fentanyl Homicide Case

Stockton, CA - On January 3, 2024, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced a significant victory in the fight against fentanyl-related deaths. At a preliminary hearing, the Honorable Lance Jacot of the San Joaquin County Superior Court found probable cause to hold Defendant Antonee Haines, 42, of Tracy, to answer on charges of second-degree murder related to the death of Tracy native, Travis Gassaway.

Travis Gassaway was found deceased in his bedroom on May 13, 2023, from acute fentanyl toxicity after returning to Tracy for Mother's Day weekend. Evidence presented at the hearing included text messages from Haines' phone, where he acknowledged the lethal potential of fentanyl yet proceeded to sell the drug to Gassaway. The toxic substance, disguised as a blue M30 pill, was found next to Gassaway, leading to his untimely death.

District Attorney Ron Freitas stated, "We will not stand idly by as fentanyl devastates our community. This case should serve as a stark warning: if you deal death, we will prosecute you for murder. Our resolve is unbreakable, our pursuit of justice relentless."

DDA Jocelyn Weisbrich has worked tirelessly on this case and has shown an incredible commitment to getting justice for the Gassaway family. Crime Analyst Macie McKinstry was also instrumental in preparing the case for prosecution. The Tracy Police Department's Special Investigations Unit, particularly Detective Chavez, played a crucial role in the investigation.

Haines is scheduled to be arraigned on the Information on January 17, 2024, at 8:30 am in Department 8B of the San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Travis Gassaway. It reaffirms its dedication to combating the scourge of fentanyl within our community.